Alejandro Escovedo and his band performed at Turner Hall Ballroom Thursday night with Peter Buck, former lead guitarist of R.E.M.

It was billed — oversold really — as "one night, two legends." But take the hyperbole down a few notches, and the pairing of Alejandro Escovedo and Peter Buck at Turner Hall Ballroom Thursday night, the first night of a mere eight-date tour, was still plenty promising. Just what would Buck, the guitarist behind so many enduring pop melodies for the late R.E.M., bring to Escovedo's acclaimed heartland rock as his backing guitarist?

In the end, not a whole lot. There were a few fun moments when the acclaimed rockers huddled close with big grins and fast riffs. But Buck played it safe Thursday as the band's at-times inaudible rhythm guitarist. | Feb. 21, 2014»Read Full Article

Louise Leonard, a native of Waterford and a private chef and food stylist in Los Angeles, was chosen the winner of the ABC food competition "The Taste" Thursday night.

She was among three finalists required to prepare meals that the judges - Ludo Lefebvre, Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain and Marcus Samuelsson - could eat in a single spoonful. | Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Blog Post

Oprah Winfrey has been quietly aiding her younger half sister from Milwaukee, Patricia Lofton, paying for her education and, according to multiple reports, even buying her a new $490,000 house in Wisconsin, People.com reports.

It's part of Winfrey's effort to help Lofton reach one of her lifetime goals, Winfrey's spokesperson told People: "Patricia's greatest dream was to go to college and become a social worker. Oprah wants to support that dream." | Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Article

Alabama used to be regulars at the State Fair, with performances nearly every year from 1982 to 1995. This year's appearance will be the band's first State Fair show in 13 years. | Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Article(2)

DUE OUT TUESDAY

GRAVITY (Warner) Dramatically compelling tale of an astronaut, portrayed by Oscar nominee Sandra Bullock, who becomes literally untethered while on a spacewalk when the false security of the umbilical cord connecting her to the mother ship is severed, sending her spiraling into the void. Nominated for 10 Oscars, including best picture and best director. With George Clooney as the veteran astronaut gently trying to keep Bullock connected, one way or another. (PG-13; intense scenes, language) ★★★1/2| Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Article

UWM Union Theatre

"Bastards," drama by Claire Denis about a man who returns to Paris to avenge a death in his family; in French with English subtitles. 7 p.m. Friday, 9 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. $6; $5 for UWM faculty, staff and alumni, non-UWM students and senior citizens; $4 for UWM students. | Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Article

"In Secret" is like watching one of those gritty film noir melodramas from the 1940s, only set in 1860s Paris — and, unfortunately, without much of the edge of those earlier, set-later predecessors.

Based on a novel by 19th-century French literary giant Emile Zola, "In Secret" follows the travails of Therese (Elizabeth Olsen), a girl sent to live with her unfeeling aunt (Jessica Lange) when the girl's mother dies. As she grows into womanhood, Therese, treated more like a servant than a member of the family, feels suffocated in this world not of her choosing — especially when her aunt informs her that she is to marry her sickly son, Camille (Tom Felton), and move with them to Paris. | Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Article

With trepidation, the Evans siblings — Makal, 14; Makaya, 14; Zarkeylius, 13; and Khalil, 10 — stand before a small congregation at a tiny Lindsay Heights chapel and begin to sway and sing. Quickly the confidence and soul of their songs take over.

OK, so you knew that that not-awful weather wasn't going to stick around forever. Good thing there's lots to do today to keep your mind off the fact that it's still February. Like: | Feb. 20, 2014»Read Full Blog Post